What does freedom mean to you? When you work for a small town newspaper, we can assure you, it means quite a bit. Everything, in fact. Independence Day to the North Kitsap Herald is more than fireworks, a day off from work and barbecues. It is why we’re here. One of the primary reasons we’re able to do what we do.

To us, independence and the freedoms we enjoy are inseparable. While the Constitution and its amendments guarantee these freedoms, they wouldn’t exist in their present form had the incidents leading to July 4, 1776 not occurred.

And while the focus on Independence Day is often blurred by three-day sales and other commercializations, we believe our fellow Americans — deep down — still grasp the importance of the celebration.

We do.

And we’re proud to say that we feel many of our North Kitsap neighbors do as well. How can we be so sure? Aside from showing their patriotic stuff with events ranging from Keyport and Poulsbo to Kingston and Hansville, look to the right of and below this opinion. Letters we receive on a constant basis are an excellent sign that our freedom of speech and the press is alive and well. A sure sign that our independence is not being taken for granted.

Whether you agree or disagree with your neighbors’ thoughts (or the words you are reading right now), it is your right to do so and you are free to express yourself on the matter, whether vocally or with pen in hand. The unfettered exchange of ideas is one of the things that makes America so great.

It is with utmost pride that we wish all a happy Independence Day.